Construction is starting this month on a significant upgrade to the wastewater network along Balheary Road in Swords.

The Uisce Éireann investment will unlock the delivery of 2,980 new homes and support sustainable growth in the area by expanding capacity and improving system performance.

The project will increase the network's ability to serve existing and future customers, reduce pressure on ageing infrastructure and help deliver the housing and services the community requires.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD said: "The delivery of essential wastewater infrastructure is fundamental to meeting our housing targets as reflected in our new Housing Action Plan, 'Delivering Homes, Building Communities' and through record investment in the water sector. This project at Balheary Road will provide critical capacity to enable new homes in North County Dublin and serve the needs of the community in the Swords area."

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Speaking for Uisce Éireann, Padraic Fitzgerald said the scheme illustrates how targeted infrastructure investment enables homes and long-term development. "This investment at Balheary Road is a key enabler for new housing and future development in Swords. By increasing wastewater capacity now, we are helping to unlock development, support the local economy and provide resilient services for existing and future communities," he said.

GMC Utilities will deliver the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann. Part of the scheme coincides with Fingal County Council’s R132 Road Connectivity Project, which will convert the Estuary Roundabout to a signalised junction. Under an agreement between Uisce Éireann and Fingal County Council, the eastern section of the sewer network will be built by the council as part of the road project to ensure a co-ordinated and efficient approach.

Fingal County Council's Director of Infrastructure and Transport, Matthew McAleese, added: "Fingal County Council is pleased to work in partnership with Uisce Éireann on the delivery of this important infrastructure. Aligning the wastewater works with the R132 Road Connectivity Project allows us to maximise efficiency on the ground while supporting sustainable development and new housing in the area."

The scheme includes installing more than 360 metres of new wastewater pipeline from the Balheary Road/Castlegrange Green junction to the Estuary Roundabout, with works also along the R125 and within Balheary Park. Construction is due to finish by summer 2026, with the Estuary Roundabout section scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.

To facilitate safe delivery, Stop/Go traffic management will operate on Balheary Road and works will be carried out in short sections to limit disruption. Temporary relocation of bus stops and localised footpath closures within Balheary Park will be required, with clearly signposted alternative routes.